One big way the workplace has pivoted is in the area of digital transformation. Digital assets are instrumental in ensuring customer and employee satisfaction, and in turn boosting your company’s growth. Here are some tech solutions to consider.
Meeting customer expectations
1. Selling online
Temporarily-enforced business closures to contain the spread of the virus are more common than ever. As such, a brick-and-mortar store isn’t always enough to retain customers.
Explore e-commerce options so people can continue to purchase your goods and services online. For example, creating a presence on popular e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Lazada and Shopee, or social media sites like Facebook where you can conduct live auctions to spotlight buzzworthy items.
Starting an online store is a relatively low-cost endeavour as well, with user-friendly ecommerce website builders. These include Shoptiq, a code-free platform that offers payment processing and plenty of apps. Also, the fuss-free Wix, where you build your site simply by dragging and dropping page elements.
2. Digital payments
Businesses may benefit from expanding their range of digital payment methods to gain more customers. In a pandemic world, more customers are expecting contactless payments such as PayNow, Dash, Apple Pay and GrabPay where they don’t have to swipe a card, enter a PIN or sign anything.
This minimises unnecessary contact between service staff and customers. With such payment methods, you can also serve faster and cut down on queues.
3. Marketing and communication through online social channels
To maintain customer loyalty, turn to where most customers are spending their time. Establish a strong social media presence and keep your followers updated on what’s happening with your business. Whether it's a change in opening hours, customer policies or new events, customers expect to be in the know.
When it comes to customer service, many now expect businesses to be responsive on social media too. Set up a proper Facebook Messaging service on your page, where people can ask questions directly at their own convenience − rather than be put on hold on the phone.
And consider ramping up digital marketing efforts through regular email newsletters, where you can announce new promos or product launches. Personalise your marketing efforts through segmented email lists, with tools like MailChimp and HubSpot.
Supporting your employees
1. Collaboration and messaging tools
Your employees are just as important as your customers. With most companies comprising a mix of remote and office-based staff, the right technology is important to maintain workplace connection and collaboration.
One such digital solution is Microsoft 365, encompassing Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. All office applications are accessible on multiple devices such as your smartphone, tablet or laptop − perfect for remote working.
Part of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams also facilitates group interactions via e-messaging, video conferencing, voice calls and co-editing documents. For convenience, everything is accessible through a single desktop or mobile application.
2. Working from home solutions
To engage home-based employees, schedule regular communication so they can voice their concerns. This may be done via video conferencing tools such as Microsoft Teams or BizConference. XO Plus mobile plans also ensure employees have large data bundles so can connect when on the go.
Ensure you provide robust IT support as well. This includes collaboration solutions, strong anti-virus programs and other preventive cybersecurity solutions. To protect valuable business data, the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) can help with cybersecurity solutions such as endpoint protection. SMBs registered and operating in Singapore may apply for PSG funding for pre-approved cybersecurity solutions.
3. Task automation
Finally, consider automating manual tasks to free up employees’ time, so they can grow the business in other ways like product innovation and finding new business opportunities.
Cumbersome processes may be moved to the cloud with solutions like Deskera. For example, its online payroll software enables your HR department to easily allocate leave, update employee records and process payroll.
With company data being shared in real time via the cloud, there’s no need for your team to update multiple systems or spreadsheets too. This cuts down on human error and boosts productivity in the long run.
